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Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Two steps forward, one step back, as it always is with the Flyers' front office.

Late Monday night, Detroit Free Press beat writer Helene St. James revealed that Danny Cleary will be signing a three-year contract worth $2.75 AAV that includes a no-trade clause. According to several sources, the deal cannot be completed until the end of the month, when the salary-cap books are opened once again and a corresponding move can be made.

Cleary, 34, will be entering his 15th NHL season. Over 869 appearances, the native of Newfoundland has totaled 160 goals and 377 points. In 121 playoff games, Cleary has compiled 24 goals and 52 points. He twice reached the Stanley Cup Finals with Detroit, winning in 2008.

The winger is coming off a lockout-shortened season of nine goals and 15 points in 48 regular-season games, with four goals and 10 points in 14 postseason tilts with the Detroit Red Wings.

That seems to resolve the last remaining question of veteran players on this year's roster, as the money involved dictates moving a player to accomodate the signing.

It also apparently resolves the question of whether or not Simon Gagne will be back with Philadelphia, after initial reports early in the offseason indicated a deal had been informally structured and current speculation that he was still on the club's radar.

There's no money and no contract room, for the 33-year-old who totaled five goals and 12 points in 27 games during his second go-round here after being acquired from Los Angeles.

On Tuesday morning, Paul Holmgren told the Inquirer that Cleary was here on a tryout contract, "but there are no promises" on a deal.